Quercus (Oak)
A family of large, deciduous or evergreen, long-lived trees with a magnificent broad crown. Most species are only suitable for large gardens, woodland and parkland.
Family: Fagaceae
Botanical Name: Quercus
Common Names: Oak
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen, lobed or toothed green leaves. Deciduous trees have good autumn colour.
Blossom: Inconspicuous, yellow-green catkins, followed by characteristic ovoid acorns.
Flowering Period: Spring.
Soil: Moist but well-drained soil (chalk, clay, sand or loam). Acid, alkaline or neutral pH.
Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. Can be grown in any aspect.
Habit: Tall with broad canopy.
Type: Large hardwood tree or shrub.
Origin: Europe, SW Asia.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.
Planting and Growing Quercus
Plant in any good, deep, moist but well-drained fertile soil. Although they tolerate partial shade oak trees take on a better shape if planted in an open, sunny position.
Taking Care of Quercus
Water well until established.
Pruning Quercus
Remove dead or damaged branches in winter.
Pests and Diseases
Susceptible to attack by oak moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps. Can be affected by powdery mildews and honey fungus.
Propagating Quercus
Easily increased from fresh acorns, sown when ripe. Germination takes between 5-15 weeks.
Popular Varieties of Quercus
Quercus borealis maxima (red oak) is a fast-growing large deciduous tree, with broad leaves and an open, spreading crown. Good autumn colour. Mature height to 100ft (30m), spread to 60ft (18m).
Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) is fast growing, spreading, deciduous tree with narrow, dark green leaves. The winter buds have long whiskers. Mature height to 100ft (30m)
Quercus glauca (ring-cupped oak, Japanese blue oak) is a broadly columnar compact evergreen tree with a bushy habit. The glossy green leaves turn bronze in spring. Not fully hardy in the UK. Height to 20ft (6m).
Quercus ilex (evergreen or holm oak) has narrowly oval, dark green, glossy evergreen leaves, grey felted beneath. Mature height to 70ft (21m), spread to 60ft (18m).
Quercus myrsinifolia is a rounded evergreen tree with dark green, pointed leaves (bronze when young). Height to 40ft (12m).
Quercus phillyreoides is a shrubby evergreen tree with leathery dark green leaves. Height to 30ft (9m).
Quercus petraea (Sessile oak, Cornish oak, Irish oak) is a large deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. Leathery, dark green, lobed leaves. Suitable for large coastal gardens. Mature height to 65ft (20m).
Quercus robur (English or Common Oak) is a tall stately deciduous tree with dark green, lobed leaves and a large broad crown. Widely grown in the UK. Mature height from 65 to 130ft (20 to 40m).
Quercus rubra (Red Oak) is a broad leaf species that grows quickly to form a large tree with a large rounded crown. The foliage turns bright scarlet in autumn. Height up to 80ft (25m).